WHAT
HAS COME BEFORE:
While his friends, Nomad and Luke Cage, are held captive, Iron Fist
had to battle Rock Python, Plant Man, Puff Adder, and Blacklash himself!
After a pitched battle with the villains, Iron Fist managed to free
his friends, only to have Yu-Ti disappear, along with Spider-Woman—leaving
for K’un L’un!
Nomad sits behind the wheel of his
Jeep Cherokee. Seated beside him is his business partner, Danny Rand
(Iron Fist). Behind them, seated in the middle of the back seat, and
trying to find a way to manufacture some leg room, is Danny’s best
friend and long-time partner, Luke Cage.
“Hey, boy wonder…!” Luke remarks, as he shifts in his seat
again, his hands on each of the twin bucket seats holding Iron Fist
and Nomad.
“You’ve got the wrong fella there, Cage,” Nomad responds,
allow a smile to cross his face. He’s learned not to take Luke seriously,
even though he can come across as gruff sometimes.
“Yeah, yeah,” Luke comments, rolling his eyes. “Okay. But,
can you tell me where you’re taking us…and how much longer I’ll be
stuck in the back seat?!”
“Luke, I told you when we started that you might be more
comfortable in the back,” Iron Fist offers.
“Oh, hell yeah!” Cage retorts sarcastically, shaking his
head, an annoyed look on his face. “Like I’m really gonna go flying
all over the place back there! There ain’t even any seat back there,
man!”
“Luke,” Iron Fist jokingly adds. “You’re just not a team
player!”
“Like the man said, Danny,” Luke responds. “There ain’t
no ‘me’ in team. And that’s a good thing.”
“Anyway,” Nomad interjects, shaking his head. He’s long
since gotten used to this back and forth banter, after spending a
few hours on the highway with them. “In answer to your question, Danny
explained that we needed to get to K’un L’un through magic. So, I’m
taking us to see someone who specializes in that kind of thing.”
“Okay,” Luke agrees, “I’ll buy into that. I know K’un L’un
is some kind of place where you need a magic key to get in.”
“Uh, yeah,” Iron Fist remarks, moving his eyes to the side,
“something like that.” Then, looking over at Nomad, he adds: “Luke’s
got a point, though. Where are you taking us? There seem to be plenty
of magic users around, but most of them are on the other side of the
fence.”
The sound of crunching gravel underneath the tires indicates
that they have left the highway, and are now making their way down
a long gravel driveway, leading to a very large, three-story house
in the distance. There is a large water fountain in front of the house,
which has three large pillars, running along the full height of the
house, with a balcony overlooking the lawn at the top level.
“Right here, actually,” Nomad responds with a smile, as
he pulls into the driveway, and parks off to the right side of the
large house. As they get out of the car, they are instantly greeted
by the smell of the sea, accompanied by seagulls flying overhead.
As Luke and Danny look around, while disembarking from the Jeep, they
see a long pier leading to the sound in the back of the yard.
“Nice place,” Iron Fist offers, as they make their way
towards the house.
“Yeah,” Luke adds, “whose is it?”
“When I started my career,” Nomad explains, as they make
their way along a small gravel path leading to the front of the house,
“most of the heroes who got their start in the forties were taking
some time off—I guess, to start their families. But, from time to
time, you’d see them get back into action, either for a special adventure,
or in some cases, to start back over again.”
“I’ve read about those times,” Iron Fist notes, nodding
his head. “It had to be an interesting time to be in this line of
work.”
“I guess you could say that,” Nomad responds, as they reach
the stairs leading up onto the front porch. “Me and Steve—the only
Cap I knew at the time—fought some new villains, and some older ones
that returned to get some more lumps.” As they take steps onto the
front porch, Luke looks around, noticing a porch swing on the right,
and several chairs, placed against the side of the building along
the front porch.
“And some re-tooled ones, from what I hear,” Iron Fist
adds.
“That’s true,” Nomad agrees. “We fought a Red Skull that
turned out to be a communist wearing a mask. He was a tough customer,
anyway.”
“I can appreciate the history lesson,” Luke interjects,
“but who are we here to see?”
Nomad smiles, nodding his head. “I was getting to that,
Luke,” he replies. “On one of our adventures, we fought alongside
Monako. He was really active in the forties, but worked with some
others in the fifties—and later too, from what I understand. I didn’t
know him all that well. I’m sure Cap—the Cap we all know—knows him
a lot better than I do.”
“So,” Iron Fist suggests, as they all stand in front of
the door, even as Nomad pulls up on the door knocker (shaped like
a golden serpent), and brings it down. “We’re here to meet up with
Monako.”
Before Nomad can respond, the door opens. On the other
side of the door is a beautiful woman, with jet black hair. She is
wearing a low-cut, red sleeveless top, cut into a deep “v” ending
at her belt. The “v” has a thin layer of mesh from her collarbone
down. Beneath her belt is a bikini bottom, with fishnet stockings
leading to high-heeled boots. Trailing behind her is a black cape.
“Whoa!” Luke remarks, his eyes scanning the beautiful female
before them. “Man, that ain’t Monako!”
The beautiful woman in front of them smiles, as she steps
aside, gesturing towards them, motioning for them to enter her home.
“Come in, please,” she offers.
As they enter through the front door, they step onto a
glossy hardwood floor in the foyer. To the right is a large den, which
has a brick fireplace along the outer wall. She motions for them to
enter that room.
“This place is just as I remember it,” Nomad remarks, shaking
his head. “You’ve gone a great job of keeping up the place.”
“Thank you, Jack,” the lovely lady responds, as she directs
them into the room. There is a sofa and a love seat in the room. Iron
Fist and Luke Cage make their way to the heavily-cushioned sofa, while
Nomad and the lovely woman seat side-by-side on the loveseat. “You
know how father is about traditions. This home has been in our family
for many generations.”
“Father…” Iron Fist comments, looking over at the lady.
“Monako is your father?!”
“I’m sorry, Danny,” Nomad responds. “I should have introduced
everyone. This is Monkara, Monako’s daughter.” He nods towards Luke
and Danny in turn. “And these are my friends—Luke Cage and Iron Fist.”
“I knew of them,” she responds, nodding towards them. “Your
reputation precedes you.”
“I hate to be blunt,” Iron Fist remarks, “but I need to
be. Spider-Woman is missing, and we need to get there as soon as possible.
Has Jack explained the situation to you?”
Monkara nods, her facial expression not changing. “He has,
yes,” she responds. “And I’m perfectly willing to help you.”
“Where’s your daddy?” Luke asks.
“Father is away at the moment,” Monkara responds. “I believe
he is himself in another dimension, with some of his old friends.”
Iron Fist shakes his head. “It amazes me how active some
of the old forties heroes still are,” he offers.
“It helps when they have magic, or other things, keeping
them young,” Nomad returns.
“Are you familiar with K’un L’un?” Iron Fist asks.
“Father is,” Monkara responds. “He has spoken of it, and
has been there in the past himself. I haven’t been there before. But,
I am familiar with its location. I won’t have a problem getting us
there.”
“Us?!” Luke interjects. “Whoa! You sure you want a part
of this? There’s gonna be some major mess goin’ down when we get there.
We’re definitely getting into a trap. You sure you want in on this?”
“I can take care of myself,” Monkara comments, smiling.
“Although I appreciate your concern.”
“Monkara’s a tough customer,” Nomad remarks. “I’m sure
she can take care of herself. She was trained by a master. And, besides,
we could probably use the help…for all the reasons you just mentioned,
Luke.”
“Hey, it’s her call!” Luke offers. “It ain’t like I’m getting
in the way of her help or anything. Just don’t want any surprises.”
“I think Jack’s right,” Iron Fist comments. “Just one thing,
Jack—who’s manning the shop while we’re gone?”
“That’s what interns are for,” Nomad responds. “We have
four interns working with us right now, and just imagine how this
executive experience will look on their resumes.”
“You are a natural, Jack,” Iron Fist comments.
“Let’s get started,” Nomad comments. He looks over at Monkara.
“Is there anything we need to do?”
“No,” Monkara responds. “All you have to do is get ready
for the trip.”
Across space, in a separate dimension,
the very subject of the heroes’ quest—K’un L’un. The city is mythic
in its beauty, with oriental-styled buildings, nestled in a valley,
with snowy mountains surrounding it. However, in K’un L’un itself,
the temperature is quite mild. The citizens of this ancient city walk
down cobble streets, even as traders sell their wares in the city
square.
In a castle, situated in a remote area of the city, at
the very edge of the mountains, Yu-Ti stands with the shapely Titania
at his side. Floating in a sphere above their heads is the beautiful
Spider-Woman. She lies in the sphere, shaking her head, as she returns
to consciousness. They are surrounded by mortar walls, adorned with
ancient paintings. On the east side wall, there is a mural of a red
dragon, rising like a phoenix out of a calm lake, as a boat carrying
two lost souls deposits them
into the water.
“Why did you bring me here?” Titania asks Yu-Ti. “You left
the others behind.”
“The others were defeated,” Yu-Ti responds coldly. “You
were not.”
“I don’t know anything about this city,” Titania remarks.
“I signed on for a job. What am I going to do here—in this place?!”
“I am certain that you will think of something,” Yu-Ti
responds. “It is of small consequence. Your services will be required
again, and quite soon, I would imagine. If you do what is required
of you, I will allow you to return to your world.”
“What’s up with all you mastermind types?” she comments,
more to herself than to Yu-Ti, shaking her head. “You’re all insufferably
arrogant.”
“It is not arrogance to be confident in one’s superiority
to lesser beings,” Yu-Ti points out matter-of-factly. “You are being
paid well, are you not? Isn’t that what is principally required of
mercenaries such as yourself?”
“A little heads-up would’ve been nice,” she retorts. “Something
like: ‘Hey, Titania, we’re going to another dimension now. Is that
okay with you?’ That would’ve helped.”
Yu-Ti rolls his eyes. “Your complaints are irrelevant,”
he proclaims, waving his hand out in a sweeping motion, dismissing
her concerns. “There is much more at stake than your own petty comfort.”
“While we’re on the subject,” Spider-Woman calls out, “you
didn’t have to bring me here either! I was fine back in Miami!”
“Yes, I am certain,” Yu-Ti responds. “Young Rand has had
a strange way of attracting women to share in his life.”
“Not sure what you mean by that,” Spider-Woman responds
sharply, as she tries to get to her feet, trying to work within the
unusual texture of the sphere. “But, you know it was crazy bringing
me here! Danny knows his way to this place.”
“Indeed he does,” Yu-Ti replies, nodding, a sinister smile
crossing his lips. “He is quite familiar with K’un L’un, and likely
believes that he will rule over this fabled city one day. However,
that will not come to pass.”
“It seems like this place could use a stable-minded ruler,”
Spider-Woman remarks.
“You know nothing of leadership,” Yu-Ti retorts, as he
motions for Titania to exit the room. She nods, following a pre-arranged
plan, and makes her way through a set of double doors, which slowly
swing shut behind her. “Being a female, this is to be expected. It
speaks volumes of the decadence of your society that women are allowed
in positions of leadership. That is why your society is on a path
of destruction, and will be replaced in time.”
“Who—by you?!” Spider-Woman exclaims, growing irritated.
“Oh, no,” Yu-Ti responds. “I have no interest in ruling
over your decadent society. There are others who are qualified, such
as the Mandarin or the Yellow Claw, and who would likely do well enough.
With a man such as one of those in command, there might be opportunities
for cooperation. Only time will tell.”
“I don’t understand you,” Spider-Woman remarks. “Why are
you doing all of this? Why do you care what Danny does? He’s started
his new life in Miami. He’s got a new business and is trying to ground
himself there. Why pick a fight with him now? I doubt he had any interest
in what you were doing.”
Yu-Ti shakes his head, looking over at Spider-Woman in a
condescending manner. “As I said earlier, you would not understand,”
he comments. “While Danny is currently interested in things in his
present home, he will always be drawn back here. He has too much of
his father’s blood in his veins to do otherwise. You must understand,
all of us—perhaps even you—are creatures of habit. We may try something
new from time to time, but we all will return to form. Just as a salmon
must return upstream to its birthing place, so too, would Danny always
return here.”
“You don’t understand Danny!” Spider-Woman retorts, shaking
her head. “He has been living in America for several years now, and
his family are all from there.”
“And, since he left K’un L’un, how many times has he returned?”
Yu-Ti replies. “No, you do not understand human nature, as I do. Danny
has always returned here, usually to interfere with my plans—or perhaps
those of another. And he would always do so. I believe in ridding
myself of my enemies before they have the opportunity to interfere
with my plans. I, too, have learned much over time.”
“But, by doing what you’re doing, you’re insuring that
he’ll come here!” Spider-Woman urges.
“Yes,” Yu-Ti responds, nodding his head. “I am betting
on it.”
“Then it’s time to cash in your chips, Yu-Ti,” Iron Fist
says, appearing in a flash of energy created by Monkara. With them
are Nomad and Luke Cage, who step out of the portal and into the large
room with Yu-Ti and Spider-Woman. “Because we’re here!”
Although the villain is surprised by Iron Fist’s sudden
appearance, he quickly regains his composure, trying to prevent any
show of surprise on his part. He instinctively steps in front of the
sphere holding Spider-Woman, and between she and her lover, Iron Fist.
“So I see,” Yu-Ti remarks. He reaches over, picking up
a small triangle from a desk, which sat against the wall. He rings
the triangle with a small metal rod, then returns it to the table.
“You were expected.”
“Look,” Iron Fist comments, walking towards Yu-Ti. “I don’t
know what this is about, but I’m not concerned about your schemes
here on K’un L’un. I came here to get Je—Spider-Woman back and return
home.”
“How intriguing,” Yu-Ti counters. “She and I were just
having such a conversation before you arrived. She suggested that
you were content to leave me alone here, and not interfere with my
plans…”
“I could care less about your plans!” Iron Fist exclaims.
“Let her go!”
“Your tone shows that I made the right decision,” Yu-Ti
comments. “You have known many women, but this one is important to
you. My decision to bring her here, so that we could settle our differences,
was a wise one.”
“If it’s a fight you want,” Iron Fist responds, raising
his hands in a warrior stance, “then I’ll be happy to oblige.”
“Of course,” Yu-Ti responds, even as the room echoes with
the sounds of many footfalls in the adjacent rooms. “You are always
prepared to do battle. That is one of your more endearing characteristics.
However, as to the suggestion that you would simply leave here, and
not interfere with my plans—well, let’s face it, Rand…when have you
ever simply minded your own affairs? K’un L’un is in your blood. It
was in your father’s blood. And you are certainly his son. The only
way to prevent any future interference from you is for us to settle
our differences, here and now…once and for all.”
“All right,” Iron Fist responds. Luke, Nomad, and Monkara
have walked behind him, and are now standing ten feet behind him.
“That’s fine by me. You and me…right now.”
Yu-Ti throws back his head and laughs. Luke looks over
at the villain, thinking him mad. Nomad merely shakes his head, chalking
his behavior up to those of many other villains he’s encountered over
the years. Monkara looks around, taking in the sights around them.
Her eyes suddenly widen, when she sees warriors materializing through
the very walls, completely surrounding them. She taps on Nomad’s back.
He turns to face her, and slowly rotates his head around, noting that
they are surrounded completely by ancient warriors, clad in leather
armor, and brandishing swords, knives, and other fighting instruments.
Luke looks around as well, taking in the spectacle around him. He
pounds his right fist into his left palm.
“Oh, it will be settled, Rand,” Yu-Ti responds.
“But not just between you and I. As these H'ylthri warriors can attest,
your situation is much more dire than that.”
“Don’t sweat it, Danny!” Luke remarks, looking around.
“These are tough-looking dudes, but they’re all human. We can take
them.”
“I anticipated your return as well, Cage,” Yu-Ti counters,
clapping his hands. As he speaks, thunderous footsteps are heard,
getting ever closer. “Like your friend, you are unable to mind your
own affairs. This problem of yours will soon be corrected…permanently!”
With that said, a large, towering figure—twelve feet in height—walks
into the room. It appears to be composed of stone, and is completely
gray in appearance. Its features are H’ylthri, and its eyes are red
ruby. “This is H’kuhn the Undying, Cage! I think you will find him
more than a match for your pedestrian skills.”
As the warriors set in, rushing towards the heroes, who
form a triangle (except for Luke, who makes his way towards the towering
giant), back-to-back, Yu-Ti laughs again, satisfied that his trap
has been sprung.
NEXT
ISSUE: Danny, Luke, Nomad, and Monkara battle Yu-Ti’s forces!
MARTIAL MISSIVES
This
issue brings in another guest-star to the series—Monkara, the daughter
of Monako. Monako was a popular character during the 40s, appearing
in Daring Mystery Comics. There were a lot of magic characters
during the Golden Age who were pretty much stage magicians, practicing
slight of hand. Many of these were also detectives. Monako was different.
He was a powerful sorcerer, who displayed some impressive super-powers
for that time period. And his daughter inherited those powers from
him. More on that later. For now, though, here are some comments I’ve
received thus far…
Yo, Jeff:
Iron Fist #7 was like a Bruce Lee movie: it kicked ass!
The highlight of the issue was Iron Fist’s battle with Blacklash,
which was superlatively done. Paraphrasing Iron Fist’s old line to
Wolverine (“if you could fight, you’d be dangerous”) was simply hysterical.
I take it Spider-Woman was fighting the first Titania,
the wrestler, since the red-haired Titania used to be scrawny before
Dr. Doom transformed her on the Secret Wars planet. I’m missing a
few issues of Iron Fist, obviously.
Rick Powell
Thanks
for the supportive comments, and glad you picked up on the old Wolverine
line. That was one of the classic moments from Iron Fist’s old series,
in my opinion. And yes, I am using the original Titania (the brunette),
who I believe is more visually appealing, anyway. Besides, bringing
in the other Titania (and certainly her husband) would be a bit much
for an Iron Fist story.
Dear Editor:
Iron Fist #7 was a real treat, since I’m a Danny Rand fan
from waaaaaay back! Appropriately for a kung fu book, the fight scenes
were extraordinary (particularly Iron Fist vs. Blacklash).
Stephen Spinoza
Thanks.
I’ve always been a big fan of Whiplash/Blacklash. I’ve always thought
that many writers didn’t give him the respect I believe he deserves.
Here’s someone without powers who regularly fights Iron Man. Pretty
impressive, in my opinion.
Dear Jeff,
I attained immense enjoyment from Iron Fist #7 and thought
you did a terrific job writing Danny (Iron Fist) Rand! I liked Black
Lash better as Whiplash, but you wrote him superbly!
Luke was his humorous 70s self. I don’t know who the bald
imposter at Marvel is, but I’d like to take this opportunity to say
that Bendis sucks!
Hal Ellison
No argument from me there. I don’t recognize
the Luke Cage in comics today either, but certainly think that his
long-time friendship with Danny is a great aspect of both characters.
Luke’s here because he’s Danny’s friend. Danny needed help and he
was there. I think that speaks volumes of who Luke Cage is. As for
Whiplash/Blacklash, I understand where you’re coming from. If I get
to use him again, I have plans that will take care of the name issue.
Greetings Jeff,
Iron Fist #7 was a lot of fun!
Orville Spengler
Thanks, and thanks
to everyone who took the time to comment on that issue. Feel free
to keep the comments and suggestions coming at earth2jsa@yahoo.com.
~Jeff Melton
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